Direct mail, also known as advertising mail, is a form of advertising that involves sending physical promotional materials through the postal service or other courier services directly to potential customers based on demographic information. Direct mail marketing is a common form of direct marketing that can be employed by for-profit businesses, charities, political campaigns, and other organizations. Direct mail encompasses a wide variety of marketing materials, including brochures, catalogs, postcards, newsletters, and sales letters.

Although direct mail can have a negative reputation for being perceived as junk mail, it remains a large income stream for postal services and is effective in marketing to older generations, such as Baby Boomers or Gen X. Direct mail can work extremely well when an appropriate message lands on the doorstep of someone who wants or needs the product or service being promoted. Direct mail can also reach a wider demographic than electronic advertising if your target audience is less likely to use social media or email.

Some of the most common forms of direct mail include brochures, letters, flyers, newsletters, catalogs, postcards, coupon envelopes, and packages. The success of a direct mail campaign depends on the quality of the mailing list, which should include the target audiences demographic information. Direct mail marketing can be a modern twist on a classic channel and is still effective in closing the gap between brands and customers.